9 replies to this topic

[misty]

Hi there, I'm new to the board. I've been reading it daily since I discovered it last month. Even though I haven't posted before I've really appreciated the support and information that Ive found on this board. It's such an emotional process and I'm just getting started!

I'm 39 and my DH (starting to get all the acronyms too) is 42. We have a 2 year old daughter who we conceived naturally. I just had to post because I'm feeling so depressed. I'm at Create n Toronto and after our initial meeting with the doctor everything seemed so positive and like I had a really good chance but now it seems that's not the case and I'm not handling it very well. In January I did the FSH test with my OBGYN and it was 10 not the best but totally doable. But 2 weeks ago when they redid the test it was now 18.5!!! 18.5!!!! So now I feel like it's pretty hopeless. I have a follow-up meeting in a week but I feel like all those tests (40+ vials of blood, sono, hsg, all those internal and external ultrasounds) were for nothing. I had taken Serophene on Day 3 - 7 My doctor suggested I take 600 mg of CoQ10 and DHEA but has anyone ever seen the FSH # go down and I mean is it really improving the eggs or just artificially reduce the #? I am so crushed.

I'll try and work on getting that signature history that you all have. So helpful when I'm looking for success stories.

[DesignerBug]

There are some stories of people who have sought alternative medicines like chinese medical practitioners or naturopaths who have been able to provide supplements and diet recommendation and have reported reduced levels and some ultimately leading to success. I'm pretty sure there is a doc in TO, maybe at a west end clinic or something named similarly who specializes in diagnoses like yours. It may be worth seeking a second opinion?

I am sorry that this roller coaster has already taken you on some unexpected ups and downs. Keep researching, investigating and believing in yourself and your little angel that is waiting to join you. Keep working towards providing the best opportunity for success and hopefully you will be able to conceive.

Like many of us, you're faced with an uphill battle, but with a great support system and plenty of information and experience, there's no reason for you to go it alone.

Wishing you the best of luck.

D

[galfromaway]

As I understand it, our FSH levels can fluctuate from month to month. Mine was 12 for our first IVF attempt, and went down to just over 10 for the second, so they can change. I was also on CoQ10 for the second IVF.

Ask lots of questions in your follow-up -- does your doctor feel it's worth trying a cycle now, or wait for a few months to see if the CoQ10 and DHA help things? Have they seen success with FSH levels like yours? Do a bit of research to see what options there are to help you with this as well. Like DB, I've heard there are benefits to Chinese Traditional Medicine and working with a naturopath, so if your budget allows it, it might be worth looking into.

This is such a rollercoaster to go through... been there... and it sucks at times. Hang in there. Don't lose hope.

[mouse]

FSH does, like antral counts and many other hormonal levels, fluctuate from month to month; but like a chain being only as strong as its weakest link, the higher number will be a concern for your RE. Some women have had good response on DHEa (although it hard to know whether they'd have had lower numbers regardless of the DHEA) and others, like myself, have had far worse results while on it.

FWIW, I spiked a 15 after my first, failed, IVF (after about 5 months on DHEA and coQ10). I dropped the DHEA, my RE prescribed a single carefully timed cetrotide shot to "re-set" the system and the next day 3 FSH was under 10 (where it had been prior to going on DHEA). That cycle was successful and we have a perfect little girl.

Fingers corssed for you!

[Butterfli]

Although I have no advice to offer on that subject I just wanted to wish you a big welcome. I was the same as you, lurking around for weeks, so glad I finally joined because the info & support is amazing! Good luck with everything!

[LWill]

My wife and I were to start our 3rd IVF, or should I say 3rd session of stims but when my wife's FSH came back at 16.3 the RE told us our only alternative was DE. We started reading about DHEA and decided my wife should start taking it as well as CoQ10 and other vitamins and a month later her 3rd day FSH had dropped to 10. The next month it had dropped to 7 so we waited a couple more months because what we had read this would improve egg quality. We had a sono done and we were told to start stimming with Gonal-F and Menopur the 2nd day of my wifes flow. Well we waited and waited and my wife decided to take a HPT and it was a positive.
Not sure if it was just the DHEA but I believe it did help. Unfortunately we lost the baby at 5 weeks.

[misty]

Guys thanks so much for your replies and the warm welcome. I'm definitely trying to stay positive! I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the doctor says next week. =( Hopefully the other results will be more positive? Sigh.

So glad to learn that the FSH levels can fluctuate. Sliver of hope!

Designerbug - I did see a Naturopath in April 2012 and I cut out dairy and started taking 100 mg of Ubiquinol (CoQ10) and fish oil 150 mg. Thats why I'm not too hopeful about the Coq10 and the DHEA as I was already taking it. Now my RE has me on 600 mg of CoQ10 and 75mg of DHEA. Will it make a difference? My fingers and toes and everything are crossed! I'll look into acupuncture as an option.

Mouse - thanks for sharing your story. Now I'm wondering if I made my FSH go up by taking the supplements! Ahhhh who knows really...

Butterfli - Thanks for the welcome!

Galfromaway - You're so right I need to research and figure out questions that I need to ask my RE.

LWill - dont think i am up for DE....but Im sure everyone says that at first...So sorry about your loss. I know what its like to have a m/c and its the absolute Worst. But it is still encouraging to hear that the FSH went down.

Big thanks to all for your encouragement!!

[iskwew]

My FSH was 18 three months ago, then 15, then 11 & this month it was 8... I'm 39 DH is 42. We are on our 4th IUI. I've done acupuncture every month & started taking CoQ10, wheatgrass juice, & royal jelly 2 months ago. My E2 numbers are good as well so the numbers are not superficial! The supplements seem to be helping plus i try to eat a healthy diet. I'm hoping this cycle will be the one!

[iskwew]

Oh I forgot! You might want to request an AMH test - blood test that is much more accurate than FSH for testing ovarian reserve. I did & found out while mine is on the lower end, I still have a fairly good chance since I still have eggs!